Construction on Daytona Beach boulevard causing issues for business owners
Some business owners in Daytona Beach are saying a $2.6 million road project is ruining them.
When the project that stretches less than half a mile on Martin Luther King Boulevard is done, the area will be streetscaped with wider sidewalks and decorative lighting.
All underground utilities in that area will be updated, but some business owners said they don't know if they'll be around to see it.
"We're struggling, honestly. I don't know if I am going to make it," Sharon Hawkins Holden said.
Hawkins Holden has been doing hair and nails at her salon for around 20 years. She knows the stretch of roadway needs improvement.
According to city officials, some of the pipes underground are 100 years old, but Hawkins Holden said the construction disruption has cost her and other business owners. "We have lost our flow of traffic, we have lost walk-ins. My clients and new clients don't know how to get in," Hawkins Holden said. She said the owner of a restaurant next door to her closed for lack of clientele.
Hemis Ivey owns properties on the street, including an apartment complex where when the construction moves that way, it will make it difficult for his tenants to get home.
He said he feels bad for small business owners.
"When no traffic can come down to a business, everybody doesn't understand the side streets to get to that business, then that business is going to be killed," Ivey said. Owners say better signage directing traffic to open businesses is needed. Others think the construction should be going day and night to cut the time in half.
City officials said, when completed, the project should be an economic shot in the arm. They said they are doing what they can to work with those impacted. The project was scheduled to be completed in April, but due to complications, including weather, at this point, at least 81 days have been added.